About

The John Muir Trust is a charity that was founded in 1983. We believe wild places are essential for the wellbeing of people and wildlife

Our mission

To conserve and protect wild places with their indigenous animals, plants and soils for the benefit of present and future generations

Our vision

A world where wild places are protected, enhanced and valued by and for everyone.

Our inspiration

We take our name and inspiration from John Muir, the Scots-born founder of the modern conservation movement. Muir was passionate about wild places. He explored them, wrote about them and campaigned to protect them.

Like Muir, we believe in protecting wild places – for their own sake, and for the wellbeing of people and wildlife.

About John Muir (1838-1914)

John Muir grew up in Dunbar, east of Edinburgh, where he developed his love for nature. At age 10, he emigrated to the United States with his family.

He embraced all nature from mosquitoes to mountain ranges, recognising that everything is connected. His passion for wild places led to a life-long quest to protect them.

Muir’s writings helped people understand the importance of wildness. He saved Yosemite Valley in California and helped create the world’s first national park system.

Why John Muir inspires us:

He demonstrated a love of wild land and of the natural world

Muir immersed himself in all aspects of the natural world, from the smallest insect to the grandest mountain scenery. He visited wild places around the world but the American wilderness had a particular pull.

He argued for the intrinsic value of nature

Muir was one of the first to argue that the natural world had a value that wasn’t dependent on its use by humans. He suggested that mankind occupied a place that was a part of nature, rather than having dominion over it.

He argued for the restorative and spiritual effects of experiencing nature

Muir believed visiting wild places was important for recharging mind and body. Through his writing, he tried to convey his love of the wild as well as educate and inspire people to care for nature.

He campaigned for the protection of wild places

Muir’s contribution to the world conservation movement was considerable. His influence helped establish several national parks in the United States and he was a founder of the Sierra Club.